Mark 4:35

KJV

¶ And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the {G1722} same {G1565} day {G2250}, when the even {G3798} was come {G1096}, he saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Let us pass over {G1330} unto {G1519} the other side {G4008}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That day, when evening had come, Yeshua said to them, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake."

Berean Standard Bible

When that evening came, He said to His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side.”

American Standard Version

And on that day, when even was come, he saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 4:35 serves as a pivotal transitional verse, strategically placed to shift the narrative from Jesus' extensive public teaching ministry, characterized by parables delivered from a boat on the Sea of Galilee, to a dramatic demonstration of His divine authority and power over the natural world. This simple command to cross the lake sets the immediate stage for the harrowing storm and miraculous calming of the sea, thereby preparing the disciples for a deeper revelation of Jesus' identity and equipping them for future challenges and the expansion of the Kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a concentrated period of Jesus' parabolic teaching, as detailed in [Mark 4:1-34](/mark/4-1-34 "Mark 4:1-34 - Jesus Teaches in Parables"). Throughout this chapter, Jesus has been expounding on the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, using illustrative stories like the [Parable of the Sower](/mark/4-3 "Mark 4:3 - The Parable of the Sower"), the [Parable of the Lamp on a Stand](/mark/4-21 "Mark 4:21 - The Parable of the Lamp"), and the [Parable of the Mustard Seed](/mark/4-30-32 "Mark 4:30-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed"). The narrative flow indicates a shift from the crowds to a more intimate setting with His disciples, as Jesus now initiates a journey that will test their understanding and faith in ways His parables could only foreshadow. The journey itself directly precedes the famous account of Jesus calming the storm, found in [Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), making this verse the crucial launching point for a profound display of divine power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, was notorious for its sudden and violent storms. This phenomenon was due to cold air currents descending rapidly from the surrounding hills (such as the Golan Heights) and colliding with the warm, humid air over the lake, creating powerful squalls. Travel by boat was a common and efficient mode of transport between the various towns and villages on its shores. "The other side" (Greek: _peran_) typically referred to the eastern shore, which was predominantly Gentile territory, specifically the region of the Decapolis. This destination is significant as it foreshadows Jesus' ministry extending beyond Jewish boundaries, as seen in the subsequent encounter with the Gerasene demoniac in [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5:1-20 - The Gerasene Demoniac"). The choice to depart "when the even was come" (late afternoon/early evening) was also a common practice for travel, as it avoided the heat of the day, though it also increased the likelihood of encountering the very storms for which the lake was known.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 4:35 contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Divine Initiative and Authority**, as He is the one who issues the command to depart, demonstrating His sovereign control over events and His disciples' itinerary, not merely reacting to circumstances. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Discipleship and Spiritual Formation**, as Jesus intentionally leads His followers into experiences that will test and deepen their faith, moving them from passive listening to active engagement with His power. This journey is a pedagogical tool, preparing them for the realities of ministry. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Missionary Expansion**, as the destination "the other side" points towards the Gentile world, signaling the universal scope of Jesus' redemptive work, a theme that becomes more explicit in [Mark 5](/mark/5 "Mark 5 - Jesus' Ministry Beyond Galilee"). This transition from teaching to demonstration is crucial for the disciples' understanding of who Jesus truly is, as a teacher of truth and a master of creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gínomai (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This word, translated as "was come" in "when the even was come," signifies a process of "becoming" or "coming into being." It is not merely a passive state but implies a dynamic occurrence. In this context, it emphasizes the natural progression of time into evening, yet within Mark's narrative, even the timing of natural events is often imbued with divine purpose. The evening "became," setting the stage for the dramatic events that would unfold under the cover of darkness and storm, highlighting the precise timing of Jesus' actions.
* **diérchomai (Greek, _diérchomai'_):** Translated as "pass over," this verb means "to traverse" or "to go through." It suggests a deliberate and purposeful movement from one point to another, implying a complete journey across a space. It's more than just "going to"; it's "going all the way through" to the destination. Jesus' command to "pass over" indicates an intentional, directed journey, not a casual or aimless crossing, underscoring His leadership and the predetermined nature of their destination and the experiences awaiting them.
* **péran (Greek, _péran'_):: This word, meaning "beyond" or "across," is translated as "the other side." It refers to a distinct, separate geographical location. The use of "the other side" implies a departure from the familiar and an arrival at a new, often challenging, territory. Symbolically, it represents a transition into new spiritual ground, both for the disciples in their understanding of Jesus' power and for the scope of His ministry extending beyond the Jewish heartland into Gentile regions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the same day,"**: This phrase firmly anchors the events of Mark 4:35 to the preceding narrative, specifically the day of extensive parabolic teaching by the Sea of Galilee. It emphasizes the continuity of Jesus' ministry, showing that the shift from teaching to demonstration of power is not random but part of a continuous, divinely orchestrated sequence. It highlights Jesus' tireless commitment to His mission.
* **"when the even was come,"**: This specifies the time of day, late afternoon or early evening. This detail is crucial for setting the scene, as it explains why Jesus and the disciples would be seeking rest or a change of location after a long day. More significantly, it provides the natural conditions (the onset of darkness and the typical time for sudden storms on the Sea of Galilee) that will allow for the subsequent miraculous display of Jesus' authority over creation.
* **"he saith unto them,"**: This clause underscores Jesus' initiative and authority. It is not the disciples' suggestion or a spontaneous decision; it is a direct command from Jesus to His chosen followers. This highlights His role as the leader and guide, intentionally directing their path and experiences. The "them" refers specifically to the disciples, indicating a more intimate and instructive phase of their training.
* **"Let us pass over unto the other side."**: This is Jesus' direct command, an invitation to a journey that is both physical and profoundly spiritual. "Pass over" implies a complete traversal, and "the other side" points to a new geographical and theological frontier (the Gentile Decapolis region). This command initiates a sequence of events designed to reveal deeper truths about Jesus' identity and power, pushing the disciples beyond their current understanding and comfort zone.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 4:35 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its significance. Firstly, it functions as a clear **Transition**, marking a pivotal shift in Mark's narrative from Jesus' extensive teaching ministry (primarily through parables) to a series of powerful demonstrations of His authority (over nature, demons, and sickness). This verse acts as a narrative bridge, preparing the reader for the dramatic events that immediately follow. Secondly, the phrase "Let us pass over unto the other side" serves as potent **Foreshadowing**. It subtly hints at the challenges and revelations awaiting the disciples, particularly the impending storm and the encounter with the Gerasene demoniac on the eastern shore. This foreshadowing builds anticipation and underscores the purposeful nature of Jesus' journey. Thirdly, Jesus' direct command, "Let us pass over," utilizes the **Imperative Mood**, emphasizing His absolute authority and initiative. This is not a suggestion but a directive, highlighting Jesus' sovereign control over His disciples' movements and the unfolding of His divine plan, even when it leads them into difficult circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:35, though brief, is rich in theological implications, primarily highlighting Jesus' divine sovereignty and His intentionality in shaping the faith of His disciples. It demonstrates that Jesus, far from being a passive figure, actively directs the course of events and the experiences of His followers. The command to cross to "the other side" is not merely a logistical decision but a purposeful act designed to lead the disciples into a situation where their faith would be tested and, consequently, deepened. This divine initiative in leading His people through challenging "journeys" is a recurring theme throughout biblical history, reminding us that God often uses trials and transitions to reveal more of His character and power. The journey across the lake, fraught with danger, becomes a crucible for faith, revealing Jesus' mastery over creation and His unwavering presence amidst chaos.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "God's Testing in the Wilderness")
* [John 6:16-21](/john/6-16-21 "Jesus Walks on Water")
* [Luke 22:28](/luke/22-28 "Disciples with Jesus in Trials")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:35 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Jesus intentionally led His disciples into a journey that would test their faith and reveal more of His power, so too does He guide our lives. We often find ourselves in transitional moments, called by Christ to "pass over unto the other side" – whether that means moving into a new season of life, facing an unexpected challenge, or embracing a call to ministry that stretches our comfort zones. This verse reminds us that these transitions are not random but are often divinely orchestrated opportunities for spiritual growth. Our response should be one of trust and obedience, even when the destination is unknown or the path ahead promises difficulty. The "other side" may indeed bring storms, but it is precisely in those storms that we are given the opportunity to witness Jesus' sovereign power and deepen our reliance on Him. This verse encourages us to embrace the journey, knowing that Jesus is always with us, leading us to a greater revelation of His glory and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other sides" might Jesus be calling me to "pass over" into in my life right now?**
* **How do I typically respond when Jesus leads me into uncomfortable or unknown territory?**
* **How does the knowledge that Jesus initiates and directs these journeys strengthen my trust in His plan for me?**
* **What lessons can I learn about my own faith from the disciples' experience on this journey?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus choose to cross the Sea of Galilee "when the even was come"?**

Answer: Jesus' choice of timing was likely multi-faceted. Practically, traveling in the evening would have been cooler and potentially less crowded after a long day of teaching. Theologically, however, the timing is significant. The onset of evening, and subsequently night, often symbolizes a time of darkness, uncertainty, or testing in biblical narratives. By initiating the journey at this time, Jesus sets the stage for the dramatic display of His power over the elements, demonstrating His authority even in the midst of chaos and darkness. It also allows for a more intimate setting with His disciples, away from the crowds, for this profound lesson in faith.

**What is the significance of going to "the other side" of the lake?**

Answer: Geographically, "the other side" of the Sea of Galilee refers to the eastern shore, which was primarily Gentile territory, specifically the region of the Decapolis. This destination holds immense significance as it foreshadows the expansion of Jesus' ministry beyond the Jewish heartland to include Gentiles, a crucial aspect of His redemptive mission. Thematically, it represents a movement from the familiar to the unfamiliar, from a place of teaching to a place of powerful demonstration. It symbolizes Jesus leading His disciples into new spiritual territory, preparing them for the universal scope of the gospel and for encounters that would challenge their preconceived notions about the Kingdom of God, as seen with the healing of the Gerasene demoniac in [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5:1-20 - The Gerasene Demoniac").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:35, with Jesus' deliberate command to "pass over unto the other side," finds its Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in a physical journey but in the overarching trajectory of Christ's redemptive mission. Jesus, the Son of God, intentionally embarked on the ultimate "passing over" from the glory of heaven to the humility of earth, to reconcile a fallen humanity to God. His journey across the Sea of Galilee, confronting the forces of nature, foreshadows His ultimate victory over the powers of darkness, sin, and death. He is the divine leader who guides His people, not around the storms of life, but through them, demonstrating His sovereignty and revealing His saving power. Just as He led His disciples to the Gentile "other side" to extend His grace, so too did He commission His church to go to "all the world" ([Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "The Great Commission")) to preach the gospel. Every "other side" we are called to cross, every trial we face, is a participation in His ongoing mission, revealing more of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the Good Shepherd who leads His sheep through the valley of the shadow of death ([Psalm 23:4](/psalm/23-4 "The Shepherd's Presence")) to the safety of His eternal presence ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:18

¶ Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side.

Luke 8:25

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Luke 8:22

¶ Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

Matthew 8:23

¶ And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

Matthew 8:27

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Matthew 14:22

¶ And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

Mark 8:13

And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.